The Irish sensation known as Bell X1 are finally getting a proper US welcome this month. If you don’t already know about Bell X1, then you cannot be from Ireland, as they are second only to U2 in their homeland. The album getting a release on February 19th here in the states, Flock. This very same album has already gone 5x platinum in Ireland, which is past epic status of course, that is a lot of records.

I don’t expect it to reach anywhere near that success here, but I can certainly tell what some of the fuss is about with these guys, who I have admired from afar since their 2004 album, Music In Mouth. It should also be noted that this now famous five piece used to boast a different frontman, Damien Rice, and when he took off for a solo career, many felt like the band could head nowhere but south. This new album though, is the real breakthrough for these guys, and it is the first where Rice does not even get a writing credit.

The band is not easy to pigeonhole however, so I will stray from any comparisons, they have shared the stage with the likes of Snow Patrol, Keane, Starsailor and Aqualung though, so if you like any of them, its pretty safe to say Bell X1 might be your thing.

Flock is in stores stateside from Yep Rock on February 19th, check out this song in the meantime.

Bell X1 – Rocky Took A Lover

And check out some US tourdates after the jump as well…..

3/12 – Toronto – El Macambo

3/13 – Philadelphia – World Café Live

3/14 – Boston – TT the Bear’s

3/15 – New York – Bowery Ballroom

3/19 – Chicago – Schuba’s

3/20 – Minneapolis – Varsity Theatre

3/24 – Los Angeles – Troubadour

3/26 – San Francisco – Café du Nord

3/28 – Portland – Dante’s

3/29 – Vancouver – Plaza Club

3/30 – Seattle – Nectar Lounge